Woo Hoo!

It’s almost time for the Knollwood show, and for the World’s Championship Horse Show which starts on Saturday. Before we get into upcoming events, let’s review a little…

Last weekend, our academy team participated in the ASAW Summer Showcase at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds. Our three adult riders showed on Saturday, while Sunday was the day for our newest stars.

Ten of our riders had participated in a prep camp where they learned what to expect at their first show. They even had camp on the show grounds on Friday where they had the chance to ride in the show arena, practice their patterns, and learn a little about the hard work that goes into prepping horses to show.

They all rode like stars on Sunday, and we’re so proud of these riders as they start their horse show adventures.

And, we're most grateful to these 6 fabulous personal assistants who took such great care of our new riders, and of our horses. Klem was beyond thrilled with the care and appreciation he received.

 

 

Did someone say Louisville? Eleven horses will be heading out later tonight for their trip to Kentucky.

Knollwood will be well represented in the equitation divisions with Richie and Leila in 14 year olds,

 

Payton and Gigi in 15 year olds,

 

Heather in 17 year olds,

And Louisville first timer Brooklyn with Gamora in the 11 and Under division.

 

We’ll be in the 5 gaited divisions with

Finn and Jade,

 

 

and Bella and Tyler.

 

Bella has even offered the charismatic Tyler to Scott who will be showing him in the grand finale Saturday night, the World’s Grand Championship of 5 Gaited Horses.

 

In the Park Division,

Lin will be showing Scott and Carol’s youngster Tate in the Open Class.

 

In the pleasure divisions,

Margit will be showing Charlie in the 5 gaited Junior Exhibitor classes,

 

And will be showing Robert in the 3 gaited Show Pleasure divisions.

 

Tori will be showing her beautiful Stella in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure classes.

 

Bella will also be showing Garfield in the Country Pleasure division for Adults!

 

If you can’t make it to Louisville, you can purchase the webcast either for certain days, or for the entire week here.

 

Updates to our Summer Academy Extravaganza:

The weather is not looking cooperative for this weekend, so we’ve decided to move the festivities inside for the first time in many, many years.

That means that start times will change, as there are still show horses at home that need to be worked while the others are in Louisville.

 

Our Friday evening pattern performance remains unchanged, and will begin at 6:00 PM.

Saturday’s show will begin inside at 12:30.

Sunday’s show will start at 11:00 AM with our leadline stars.

Please bring your own chairs, as this all happened so quickly we weren’t able to rent any.

Overflow parking will be available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot.

Our fabulous volunteers who manage the concession stand and the gift baskets have a bad weather plan, and they’d appreciate more help. If you’re able to donate a few hours, we guarantee you’ll meet fun people, AND you’ll fulfill your Knockout service hour requirements. 

You can sign up here!

 

 

 

We’re looking forward to a great weekend of horse showing both in Louisville and in Hartland.

 

See you at an in-gate!

The best lesson horses in the world are confused. They stood at the door all bright eyed on Monday expecting to come in for camp. However, this Monday, they enjoyed more time in the pasture and didn’t have to come in until noon.

It’s camp break week!

While the show riders heading to the World’s Championship Horse Show take over the farm to prep for the big show, the school horses enjoy a week of some leisure. Their relaxation time has given them time to reflect on Knollwood Summer 2022 so far, and on life in general.

Enjoy the musings of our merry band of lesson horses!

 

Actually, let’s start with Hazel Belle Boxer Matton. She was all ready to greet the campers on Monday morning, and spent the entire day looking for them. Really.

She was so sad without her kids.

 

Superstar Pumpkin has noticed that ‘these kids know what they’re doing!’ Our summer riding school sessions so far have been filled with riders already enrolled in our lesson programs, so the horses haven’t taught any beginner camp sessions yet. Rookie Pumpkin HAS enjoyed his first pattern camp sessions, complete with some games on horseback, and has given them a big thumbs up.

 

Legend Sparky has reigned over 4 sessions of Tiny Tot camp, including our first ever ‘Invitational Tiny Tot Camp’ for our most accomplished young stars.  And yes, Sparky DID get to approve the invitation list.

Picasso the perfect bareback sofa of a horse is loving all the bareback camp rides. He delights in building leg strength in his riders, and we suspect he watches their legs wobble after the dismount.

 

The box stall boys and Bee have been enjoying their pattern camps. Beau would like to know why the big outdoor ring is so big, Eddie would like to know when his next week of pattern camp is, as he has some new tricks to try, and Klem is happy to report that he hasn’t had to teach anyone the lesson of not pulling on his mouth.

You know, the one when he canters in suuuuper slow motion on a diagonal line in the big outdoor, halts, faces the instructor, and huffs the biggest huff ever to show his displeasure. And yes, his huffing destination is NOWHERE near where the pattern was supposed to be.

‘Competitive Fred’ would like to thank the pattern camp ladies for letting him join in on their game sessions. In Cece’s famous words, ‘This canter really isn’t that bad!’

 

Some of the lesson horses are using the camp ‘off ‘ week to spend some time with Dr Matt and to get some maintenance done. They’ll be feeling fabulous for the Knollwood show August 19-21!

Their farrier is also coming this week for pedicures before the big weekend, so it’s really a spa week for the lesson horses.

 

While he may not be a lesson horse, RIchmond is an important part of Team Knollwood. He'd says 'Thanks' to all the kids who make sure he has a comfortable chair in front of the barn to watch the world go by.

 

What's Coming Up?

Klem, Leon, and our other angelic starter academy horses are heading to Cedarburg this weekend where they’ll introduce 10 new academy stars to the adventures of horse showing. Klem is a bona fide celebrity at academy shows, and has a special cheering section including ALL of the center ring staff.

Add in Leon, Jelly, Baxter, Eddie, and Cashew, and it’s an all star line up.

 

Leon can hardly wait for the Knollwood show the following weekend, and he has a bet with Jelly and Hugo about who will win the most classes on Sunday afternoon. If you’d like to join in the wager, be sure to talk to Leon.

Do not in any circumstances give cash to Jelly or Hugo. You’ll never see it again.

 

The boys are all looking forward to their sold out all beginner week August 22-26. While the show horses will be competing at the World’s Championships, the best lesson horses in the world will be starting the next group of Knollwood Kids.

 

 

Knollwood Summer Show Updates!

Show shirts and back numbers are ready for pick up in the school barn lounge. They'll look great with the Knollwood Jelly Bean Jods!

Lunch preorders are due this Sunday, August 14. Remember, all orders benefit the Knollwood Knockouts, and are greatly appreciated.

Gift basket donations can be put in bins in the show barn lounge. Please have your items at the farm by Thursday, August 18.

We’ve flipped judges between our Summer and Fall Shows. We’re thrilled to welcome World Champion Equitation rider, UW Madison Student, and lifelong Knollwood Kid Sydney Budzinski as our judge next weekend.  There are lots of pictures of her on the wall of champions – she’s the beautiful rider in the light grey suit. You’ll see pics of her on the legendary Cartman, the winningest equitation horse ever, and on beautiful Sophie.

She brings wealth of knowledge and a real understanding of the process of learning how to ride.

Jane will be judging our Friday night pattern performance, and she’s READY!

 

Terri Anne will be joining us for the October show after she recovers from a broken ankle. We wish her a speedy recovery!

 

 

 

 

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate!

 

 

 

IASPHA Shows are the best!

We returned from a beautiful weekend at Beyond Stable Farm where we competed with 12 academy riders, 2 ‘B’ riders, and 6 show horses with Carol and Lin.

What can we say? The facility is beautiful, clean, and the ventilation is beyond belief. The show management is a bunch of friendly efficiency experts, so the show runs seamlessly.

The food. There’s free food for exhibitors at the evening performances, a really good food truck during the day, and new this year, they added an ICE CREAM TRUCK!

 

Lily and Fergie's Smashing Debut

 

Lily K made her show horse debut this weekend with Fergie. Officially known as Impressive Asset, Fergie is a real personality, and likes to Go Go Go. Showing in the popular single bit division, Lily had a very impressive ride in her qualifier on Friday night, and even earned a 6^th place ribbon.

Lily came back in her championship after making some adjustments, and finished the champion at her first show with Fergie. We could not be more thrilled for Lily and her family.

 

Hanna and Frito Make Their Mark

 

Hanna A also got to show this weekend,  and got to ride Frito, one of Scott and Carol’s young horses. Registered as ‘Go Fund Me,’ Frito is a really good guy learning how to be a grown up. He and Hanna made some adjustments after their first class, and finished Reserve Champions in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure championship.

Hanna was also our hair stylist with assistance from Karina and Nicole, and Hanna was also working for National Horseman taking pics. She’s a busy lady!

 

Adult Academy Classes

Often overlooked at academy shows, IASPHA offers separate qualifiers and championships for grown-up academy riders. Their forward thinking led to really healthy adult classes of 9 riders, and four of them represented Knollwood.

Fully half of our walk, trot, and canter academy riders were 'grown-ups!'

 

 

 

 

Adventures of the Saturday Helpers

If the barn felt a little different last Saturday, it was because all of the World Famous Saturday Helpers were showing at IASPHA!

These horse girls have been friends for over 6 years, and they’ve never had a horse show weekend together. Of course, the Walk trot and canter riders helped and walk and trot riders on Sunday, and walk trotters helped the more experienced riders on Saturday.

They made the show a lot easier for us, as they helped the whole weekend, too!

 

 

 

Taylor

Taylor has been part of the Saturday team, but was never really sure if showing was for her. She took the plunge at IASPHA, and competed in the Green division, for riders competing in their first year.

She and Eddie were smooth as can be, and even finished reserve champions of the division at her first show. Many of the riders at the show have been showing since the spring, so it was quite a feat.

Congratulations to Taylor!

 

 

Nacho, Just Superman Nacho

Nacho is making a name for himself.

Another of Scott and Carol’s young horses, Nacho is being groomed to be a lesson horse extraordinaire. He has some big shoes to fill, and he’s learning his lessons so well.

 

At IASPHA, he showed in the Single Bit division with Mary and finished second in his qualifier. Later that evening, he wore his double bridle and helped Amelia qualify for the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion Final in St Louis.

On Saturday, Nacho and Mia were undefeated in the walk trot and canter academy division. Nacho looked like he was having the time of his life.

After a rest, Nacho showed in the Single Bit Championship and finished 5^th.

Sunday, Super Nacho finished in the walk and trot academy division with Maddie and made quite an impact.

He’s going to be a great one!

 

What’s Coming Up?

ASAW Summer Showcase

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds

August 13-14

Team Knollwood is traveling with 14 riders, including 10 rockstars making their show ring debuts at the show.  Our new riders will be showing Sunday afternoon, and it’s worth the trip to come watch.

If you’re interested in helping with set up or show help, please talk to Nancy.

 

 

 

The World's Championship Horse Show

Louisville, KY

August 20-27

The Big Dance is almost here, and Knollwood will be there on the green shavings of Freedom Hall.

We'll post updates, and you can also buy the live feed from Richfield if you'd like to watch lots of horse show. We'll post the link later!

 

 

 

Knollwood Summer Show

August 19-21

It’s almost here!

100 riders strong, this is going to be the event of the summer!

Please make sure your Knockout membership is up to date, so we’ll collect your points.

There’s still time to bid on the luxury suite, and to sign up here to help with show operations.

We can hardly wait!

 

 

Knockouts Banquet

Saturday, February 18

The Legend at Brandybrook

Yes, it’s happening in person. We moved locations as Bristlecone will be undergoing renovations at our usual banquet time. We’ll have everything you loved about the earlier banquets, and the food will be just as delicious.

Be sure to save the date!

 

 

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate.

The Knollwood Summer academy show is coming up quickly on August 19-21, and preparations are in full swing for 100 riders to join us for a weekend of horse showing.

Class rosters are set, and horse assignments have been completed. The process of horse assignments is one of the most challenging of the year, and we’d like to provide a peek behind te curtin to share some of the thought behind the mystery.

The process has many variables and is called "Fuzzy Logic". Yup, you heard that right.

Here’s the definition of the strategy:

 Fuzzy logic is a form of many-valued logic in which the truth value of variables may be any real number between 0 and 1. It is employed to handle the concept of partial truth, where the truth value may range between completely true and completely false.^[1] By contrast, in Boolean logic, the truth values of variables may only be the integer values 0 or 1.

The term fuzzy logic was introduced with the 1965 proposal of fuzzy set theory by Iranian Azerbaijani Turk mathematician Lotfi Zadeh.^[2][3] Fuzzy logic had, however, been studied since the 1920s, as infinite-valued logic—notably by Łukasiewicz and Tarski.^[4]

Fuzzy logic is based on the observation that people make decisions based on imprecise and non-numerical information. Fuzzy models or sets are mathematical means of representing vagueness and imprecise information (hence the term fuzzy). These models have the capability of recognising, representing, manipulating, interpreting, and using data and information that are vague and lack certainty.^[5][6]

Fuzzy logic has been applied to many fields, from control theory to artificial intelligence and up to and including horse assignments for academy shows.

 

 

It is pretty geeky, which comes as no surprise, as we want to make it as fair as possible. If your eyes are already glazing over, you might want to move on to the ‘What’s Coming Up’ section of the blog. But don't!

Horse assignments start the day after entries are due, and the shirt order has been sent to our friends at Wild Impact Marketing.

Each rider has selected four horses that they’d like to ride. It’s important that riders fill in all four blanks, because with fewer options, the assignment gurus may be forced to go ‘off the charts’ for a horse selection. Do yourself a favor, and please fill in all the blanks.

Each rider’s instructor signs the entry blank as a sign of approval of the classes and horses selected. Riders must have ridden the horses selected. Trust us, we’ve come across some pretty entertaining entry blanks in our days.

Once horses and classes are approved by the instructor, entries are divided into categories of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Then they’re divided into age or experience groups, depending on the division of the rider. Remember, many riders compete on both Friday and another day.

Then the fun begins.

We divide each division into an appropriate number of splits.  Friday night pattern class sizes are only limited by the size of the pattern judge’s brain. Knollwood Wizard Jane is judging the summer patterns, and we know how smart she is, so we only split one class. The 10 and under walk and trot pattern class of 13 riders has been split, so Jane can calculate classes of 6 and 7 instead of 1 class of 13. And yes, Jane already has her point values assigned to each element of each pattern class.

More fuzzy logic.

 

Saturday rail classes in the big outdoor ring are only limited by the number of horses available. The arena is huge, and we really never run out of space in there. We do, however try to give horses some classes off so that they stay comfortable for the day. So, classes in the big outdoor tend to max out around nine horses.

 

Sunday classes in the little outdoor arena are limited to seven horses at the most, but you’ll see most classes at around five or six. If the riders are really young, you’ll see classes as small as three riders,

 

 

 

Here’s where the real fuzziness kicks in:

First of all, some horses can walk, trot, and canter while other souls only work at the walk and trot. Some horses are still working on cantering but are safe and skill building at the walk and trot, and some are too strong in the bridle for small kids to canter in the big outdoor ring.

Some of our most trustworthy souls in everyday situations don’t enjoy the show atmosphere, so they’re out of the mix.

Some horses are able to carry adults or heavy children, some can only carry small to medium kids.

Some horses can have a hard time in the big outdoor if it hasn’t rained for a while and the grass center is hard on legs.

Some of our most tried and true horses every day get into the ring, and they like to relive their glory days at Louisville or at the Morgan Grand Nationals. Just ask any unsuspecting kid who’s been on Eddie when he heard applause from the academy crowd.

Then we take each horse’s health into account. Some of our most precious beginner horses have some age on them, so we have to be careful not to overuse them.

Some of our horses are pretty and favorites of all horse loving girls between the ages of 7 and 11, and we have to make sure to protect their health and energy.

Many of our horses who may be a little plain on the outside are beautiful beyond words on the inside. Those horses have just as valuable lessons to teach as the pretty boys. We make sure to use them well.

Some of our horses have some limitations in the heat, so we take that into account with usage.

 

So, we make a first pass at assignments, using all of our fuzzy ‘If/then’ statements.

Bottom line, it’s all about safety of horses and riders.

The least experienced riders in each division are assigned to the angels of the school horse world to set the new riders up for success.

We work our way up through the divisions, trying to keep an eye on the number of times each horse goes as we progress.

 After the first pass, we employ a brilliant advanced rider to do ‘the count.’ Thea and Mia have become experts at the process.

We get a count of how many classes each horse is scheduled. We undoubtedly find imbalances, so we massage the horse assignments and count AGAIN.

 

 

This is what Mia usually looks like.

 

 

Then we look at assignments in class splits. We try to not have a horse go in back to back class splits because it would mean six classes in a row, and it would mean immediate tack changes during the show.

We value our customers’ time, and want the show to run as smoothly as possible. We also want our horses to be as comfortable as possible, so we work the class splits AGAIN to help horses out.

 

This is Mia  working on class splits during the IASPHA Spring Show...

 

When it’s all said and done, our brains are tired, but we’ve done well by our horses and riders. Everyone will be safe and learn lessons of horse showing.

Horse showing will teach you confidence, sportsmanship, compassion, and humility. Horses pass out humility in spades.

And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

 

 

 Horse Show Reminders:

Make sure your Knollwood Knockouts membership is current so you can receive points for your participation in the Summer Show.

 

If you haven't already signed up to contribute to a gift basket, please sign up on the tack room door in the school barn. Melissa came up with some really creative baskets, and spots have been filling quickly.

 

If you're able to volunteer with show operations, please sign up here. Whether you'd like to set up, tear down, or work the concession stand, we'd love to have you. Many of our show barn families will be on their way to the World's Championship Horse Show while we're hosting our in-barn show, so we'd LOVE extra help!

 Each rider has a show schedule and a preorder form for the concession stand waiting for them at the farm. Please talk to your instructor or your office admin to locate yours. Food orders are due August 14, and we're accepting cash or checks made out to the Knollwood Knockouts.

Overflow parking will be available in the Kettle Moraine Curling Club lot.

Shirts have been ordered, and we'll update everyone as soon as they arrive.

What Else is Happening?

IASPHA Summer Show

Our academy team and some show horses are heading to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock for a favorite show this weekend.

Please consider taking a road trip to cheer us on! Our entire crew of World Famous Saturday Helpers will be competing, including Taylor who's making her academy debut. It will sure to be worth the trip.

 

ASAW Summer Showcase Horse Show

Academy horses and 12 new academy stars will be making the trip to the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds for a show on August 14 and 15.

We can hardly wait to see our newest stars show for the first time!

 

World's Championship Horse Show

Team Knollwood will be well represented in Louisville at the World's Championship Horse Show. Running August 20-27. The gala affair features the best equitation riders, performance horses, and ponies around.

We'll post a schedule before the show, so you can follow along if you choose to purchase the live webcast.

 

See you soon at the barn, or at the in-gate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of Team Knollwood is home from their most recent adventures. The show barn left Summerfun for a trip to the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, and what a week they had.

The Junior League Show is steeped in tradition and southern hospitality yet it offers new state of the art facilities including arena footing that can handle any summer storm.

All of our horses and riders were spectacular in the big Rolex arena, and we have stories to share.

Rookie Amelia showing in her first season out of academy rode like she’d been doing this forever. Amelia and Eva turned in killer patterns in equitation qualifiers that featured both junior and senior competitors. Keep in mind that Amelia is 11.

Amelia’s championship even featured a three way tie with the judges cards, so she and Eva got to go back to the rail for a ride-off.

We’re so proud of all of Amelia’s hard work, and the concentration and joy she brings to the ring. We suspect she might have ice in her veins.

 

Richie and Leila were striking in Rolex Arena. Competing in his first year in the senior division, he was in the thickest equitation competition of the season. Richie and Leila picked up a third place ribbon in their qualifier, and then finished a fabulous fifth in the championship of 16.

 

Tori and Stella keep getting better. This dynamic duo looked beautiful in the southern sun, and pulled off a big 5^th place ribbon in a 14 horse Country Pleasure Championship. You can see that Tori and Stella have a strong mutual admiration society, and they’re a pleasure to watch.

 

Heather and Sammy were a sight in the senior equitation division.

In a classic Heather moment, after she won the USEF Medal qualifier, she was met at the gate for a quick interview. When RH asked her what she thought of her pattern, she answered, ‘Not good. Not good.’

She had made an error and won the class anyway, and was most concerned about falling short in her mind, as well as in Scott and Carol’s. The grace and humility these kids show is amazing to us.

Heather recovered, and finished reserve champion in the senior equitation championship of 16 riders, and even received a first place vote for her performance.

 

 

Margit and her boys were so fun to watch.

She and Robert competed against some of the best 3 gaited show pleasure horses in the country, and earned a ribbon in both their qualifier and championship.

Margit and Charlie have a special bond, and these two also earned great ribbons in their 5 gaited show pleasure qualifier and championship.

 

Payton. Just Payton.

We’ve said that she had to have been a horse in a former life. She loves all horses, and can ride the hair off of any of them.

She had a long shopping experience for a new equitation horse, and patience certainly paid off. Payton and Gigi, officially known as Isn’t She Something lit up the arena with their athleticism and grace each time they entered the ring.

They were a sight, and the future is bright, bright, bright.

 

 

News From Home

Our Summer Riding School and specialty camps are continuing through August 26, and we're having a blast.

 

The Knockouts ran a successful car wash last Sunday, and raised over $1000 for club activities. Club officers and parents were joined by many new families who lent a hand and got involved with the club.

In addition to car washing, the Knockouts also staffed the brat shack and we have some professional grillers in the group. They’re already signed up for next year’s edition!

 

Academy and some show horses are heading to the sold out IASPHA Summer Show next weekend. We’re heading to Beyond Stable Farm in Woodstock to enjoy a weekend in the cool covered outdoor arena.

We’d love a cheering section, so please come and join us! Those of you who ride on Saturdays may notice that the helper staff will be different on the 30^th. The World Famous Saturday Helpers are making a weekend of it, and are all showing at IASPHA! Great thanks to everyone filling in at home so the crew can make the show trip together.

 

 

The Knollwood Show is ready to go on August 19-21.

Some reminders and updates:

The shirt color has changed due to supply chain woes. Riders will now be wearing raspberry color shirts.

Sign up sheets for gift baskets are posted, and are filling in fast. Baskets are a really fun way to support the show and the Knockouts, so please check the signups the next time you’re at the barn.

 

You can sign up here to help with show set up, tear down, the concession stand, or gift basket assembly.

 

Hospitality suites are back! You can enjoy the show from the comfort of a shaded tent, comfy seating, food delivered to you, and a free photo from Hanna Agathen Photography.

Bids that benefit the Knockouts are being taken on the tackroom door.

 

We’re happy to announce our judging panel for the weekend!

Lifelong saddlebred exhibitor, Knollwood Kid, and our friendly Tuesday office admin Jane will be judging the Friday night performance. And yes, she’s already studying the patterns.

We’re thrilled to have Terri Anne Ullman joining us to judge the Saturday and Sunday show performances. She’s a passionate Saddlebred exhibitor, all around great person, and now owns Winsome Farm in Oconomowoc.

 

 

See you at the barn, or at the in-gate!